China adopts controversial detention law

Chinese lawmakers on Wednesday passed into law controversial changes that give police powers to detain some suspects for up to six months in so-called "black jails".

The controversial bill was passed at the final session of the National People's Congress, with 2,639 delegates voting in favour of the amendments. Only 160 lawmakers opposed the bill, and 57 abstained from the vote.

(Photo: Chinese police subdue a protester as 1,500 people demonstrated outside government offices in Lichuan, central China's Hubei province in June 2011. Chinese lawmakers on Wednesday passed into law controversial changes that give police powers to detain some suspects for up to six months in so-called "black jails". )

Critics say the amendments to China's Criminal Procedure Law would legalise secret detentions for people considered a threat to the Communist Party such as political dissidents, dozens of whom were detained last year.

Secret detentions in locations away from formal detention areas, usually hotels, are already well-documented in China.

Last year many people, from renowned artist Ai Weiwei to rights lawyers and petitioners, were held illegally in informal detention, sometimes for months.

"Bob Fu has dedicated his life to bringing freedom of religion to the Chinese people. His story is a testimony to the power of faith and an inspiration to people struggling to break free from oppression." —Mrs. Laura Bush